Ear Wax Removal
Clear Sound, Clear Ears: Safely Managing Ear Wax for Better Hearing
Ear wax can block sound traveling through the ear canal. If you feel like your ears are plugged or sound is muffled, you may have accumulated wax. Your audiologist can safely remove blockage and provide an at-home care plan for ear wax management.
Symptoms of a cerumen (earwax) blockage include:
- Earache
- Tinnitus (noise in the ear)
- Difficulty hearing
- Ear pressure
How Not to Remove Earwax Buildup
Many people use cotton swabs to remove earwax or dislodge blockages, but this can often worsen the problem. Cotton swabs may push the blockage further into the ear canal, increasing the risk of further damage.
Additionally, cotton swabs can be accidentally inserted too far, potentially causing injury to the ear, including rupturing the eardrum.
Physicians generally advise against using cotton swabs for earwax removal and recommend they only be used on the outer portions of the ear.